FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Photo: Alexander NEMENOV / AFPFIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday that the decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams from its current 32 was taken to boost the development of the game.
Speaking at the closing of the Dubai International Sports Conference, Infantino said the changes, which will come into effect for the 2026 tournament, will give more developing nations the chance to participate at the highest level.
Infantino said, “We have decided to increase the number of teams for the World Cup as of 2026 from 32 to 48. We actually launched this discussion at the end of last year, including at this forum in Dubai with a plea by Samuel Eto’o, I can remember at the award ceremony, to increase the number of teams in order to give a chance to everyone to participate.
“So why did we increase the number of teams in the World Cup? Well, because there is no bigger boost for football development than the participation in a big competition.
World Cup Expansion Will Help The Development Of The Game – Infantino
